CENTRE — It doesn't get much better than seeing a stadium full of fans on a crisp Friday night. Gladiators, coaches, officials, media, cheerleaders, mascots, bands, trainers and concessions stand at the ready. Finally, the curtain rises and the drama begins to unfold.

Sure, opening day to the regular season is months away. But, it's not too early for players to work on their dreams of a shot at the AHSAA Super Six, which culminates in Tuscaloosa in December. Nor is it too early for sports junkies to get a taste of what is in store for 2013.

Week 1: Two area contests are sure to grab the attention. Here's the best news: you can see both games! The Cedar Bluff Tigers and Gaylesville Trojans collide in a backyard brawl that dates to 1930. For Gaylesville's Brian Clowdis (44-81) this is a chance to put a dent in the armor of Jonathan McWhorter (62-24) and the defending Class 1A Region 7 champions.

Friday night at Bobby Joe Johnson Field the Piedmont Bulldogs (3A) will be looking to extend a three-game streak against Cherokee County (4A). Piedmont’s Steve Smith (160-61) begins his 19th season as a head coach, while the Warriors’ Tripp Curry (137-67) has 18 years under his belt. Both coaches garnered state titles in their respective classifications in 2009.

Week 2: Gaylesville gets their second region test in as many weeks when they battle Spring Garden. With no clear preseason favorite in Class 1A Region 7 this is a must-win for both teams. Spring Garden's Jason Howard (43-63) and Clowdis will have their teams primed for a Friday night thriller in the Garden.

After 10 years of postseason play, Gaston's streak came to an end in 2012. As a result the Bulldogs cut loose Josh Averett and brought back former head coach Swane Morris, who will have to deal with the “Dean of Coaching” in northeast Alabama. Russell Jacoway begins his fourth decade prowling the Sand Rock sidelines with 216 career victories and a state title. (Recently, there has been a lot of banter regarding power projects along the high altitude corridor that separates these two schools. Let's just say that the Bulldogs and Wildcats should generate some real electricity on Shinbone Ridge when they get together.)

Week 3: Hokes Bluff at Alexandria: With 18 years under his belt, and a Class 3A state title in 2001, Hokes Bluff head Coach Mike Robertson (118-72) finds himself, like Tripp Curry, with a crushing schedule; every game will be critical to making the playoffs.

Week 4: Cherokee County hosts their third of only four home games for 2013 when they welcome Cleburne County. The Tigers have bested the Warriors in each of the last three seasons. Coach Michael Shortt (113-59) enters his 16th year at Heflin. Also in Week 4: Jacksonville Christian at Cedar Bluff, Collinsville at Sumiton Christian, Coosa Christian at Spring Garden, Valley Head at Gaylesville and Sand Rock at Section.

Week 5: A dream matchup unfolds Thursday when Piedmont rolls into Leeds. Last year these powerhouse programs delivered a defensive masterpiece (won by the Bulldogs 7-0). With three combined state titles between the two coaches in the last five years, expect Leeds coach Keith Ethridge (78-18) and Steve Smith tpo have their squads ready to deliver another memorable performance as the Green Wave hosts this one. Also in Week 5: Woodville at Cedar Bluff, Collinsville at Donoho, Gaylesville at Coosa Christian, Spring Garden at Jacksonville Christian, Sand Rock at Plainview and Cherokee County at Ider.